Methods and devices for treating hallux valgus

Abstract

The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to implantable devices for the treatment of hallux valgus. More specifically, the various embodiments include devices having dynamic tensioning components or heat shrinkable components configured to urge two metatarsals together to treat a bone deformity.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of treating a bone deformity, comprising:
 securing a first anchor to a first metatarsal bone; 
 securing a second anchor to a second metatarsal bone; 
 securing a dynamic tension component to the first and second anchors, wherein the dynamic tension component comprises a tension member and a bioabsorbable spacer and is configured to exert a first force capable of urging the first and second metatarsal hones toward each other upon removal of the bioabsorbable spacer; and 
 urging the first and second metatarsal bones toward each other over time with the dynamic tension component upon removal of the bioabsorbable spacer. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein securing the dynamic tension component to the first and second anchors is done such that, at the time of implantation, the dynamic tension component exerts a second force urging the first and second metatarsal bones toward each other prior to removal of the bioabsorbable spacer. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein removal of the bioabsorbable spacer occurs by absorption. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tension member is a polymeric material. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tension member is a spring. 
     
     
       6. A method of treating a bone deformity comprising:
 securing a first anchor to a first bone; 
 securing a second anchor to a second bone; 
 securing a dynamic tension component to the first and second anchors, wherein the dynamic tension component comprises a bioabsorbable member, the dynamic tension component configured to reduce in length as the bioabsorbable member is absorbed; and 
 urging the first and second bones toward each other over time with the dynamic tension component as the dynamic tension component length is reduced. 
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the length reduction occurs gradually. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the length reduction occurs in quick steps. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the dynamic tension component comprises multiple bioabsorbable members having different absorption rates. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the bioabsorbable member is configured to maintain tension in the dynamic tension component prior to absorption of the bioabsorbable member. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the bones are metatarsals. 
     
     
       12. A method of treating a bone deformity comprising:
 securing a first anchor to a first metatarsal bone; 
 securing a second anchor to a second metatarsal bone; 
 securing a dynamic tension component to the first and second anchors such that the dynamic tension component is in a tensioned state, wherein the dynamic tension component exhibits elasticity; and 
 urging the first and second metatarsal bones toward each other over time with the dynamic tension component, wherein the dynamic tension component moves toward an untensioned state as the first and second metatarsal bones move toward each other, 
 wherein a length of the dynamic tension component changes at least 10% as the dynamic tension component moves toward the untensioned state, 
 wherein at least a portion of the dynamic tension component comprises a bioabsorbable component, wherein absorption of the bioabsorbable component moves the dynamic tension component toward the untensioned state. 
 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the urging the first and second metatarsal bones toward each other with the dynamic tension component further comprises:
 urging the first and second metatarsal bones toward each other a first distance during a first time interval; and 
 urging the first and second metatarsal bones toward each other a second distance during a second later time interval. 
 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 12 , wherein at least one of the first and second anchors is chosen from the group consisting of:
 a sleeve configured to be disposed around a metatarsal bone; 
 a filament configured to be disposed around a metatarsal bone; 
 an anchor body having a length perpendicular to a length of the body, wherein the anchor body is configured to be deployed against a first side of a metatarsal bone, wherein a portion of the dynamic tension component is disposed through the metatarsal bone and further is coupled to the body on a second side of the metatarsal bone that is opposite the first side; 
 an anchor body having a length perpendicular to a length of the body, wherein the anchor body is configured to be disposed within an intramedullary canal of a metatarsal bone; and 
 an anchor body fixedly positioned in a top portion of a metatarsal bone. 
 
     
     
       15. A method of treating a bone deformity comprising:
 securing a first anchor to a first bone; 
 securing a second anchor to a second bone; 
 securing a dynamic tension component to the first and second anchors such that the dynamic tension component is in a tensioned state, wherein the dynamic tension component exhibits elasticity; and 
 urging the first and second bones toward each other over time as the dynamic tension component moves toward art untensioned state, wherein the dynamic tension component moves toward an untensioned state as the first and second bones move toward each other, and wherein the dynamic tension component remains in a tensioned state when the bone deformity is fully treated, 
 wherein at least a portion of the dynamic tension component comprises a bioabsorbable component, wherein absorption of the bioabsorbable component moves the dynamic tension component toward the untensioned state. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 12 , wherein a rate of absorption of the bioabsorbable component controls the time over which the first and second metatarsal bones are urged toward each other. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 15 , wherein a length of the dynamic tension component changes at least 10% as the dynamic tension component moves toward the untensioned state. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the urging the first and second bones toward each other with the dynamic tension component further comprises:
 urging the first and second bones toward each other a first distance during a first time interval; and 
 urging the first and second bones toward each other a second distance during a second later time interval. 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 15 , wherein a rate of absorption of the bioabsorbable component controls the time over which the first and second bones are urged toward each other. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 15 , wherein at least one of the first and second anchors is chosen from the group consisting of:
 a sleeve configured to be disposed around a metatarsal bone; 
 a filament configured to be disposed around a metatarsal bone; 
 an anchor body having a length perpendicular to a length of the body, wherein the anchor body is configured to be deployed against a first side of a metatarsal bone, wherein a portion of the dynamic tension component is disposed through the metatarsal bone and further is coupled to the body on a second side of the metatarsal bone that is opposite the first side; 
 an anchor body having a length perpendicular to a length of the body, wherein the anchor body is configured to be disposed within an intramedullary canal of a metatarsal bone; and 
 an anchor body fixedly positioned in a top portion of a metatarsal bone.